Miner to compensate villagers 22bn/-

African Barrick Gold (ABG) is scheduled to spend over 22bn/- to
relocate hundreds of villagers living near North Mara Gold Mine in Tarime
District, Mara Region.

The exercise will involve 1,070 people, according to
Tarime District Commissioner, Mr John Henjewele.

"This is phase 20 and 1,070 people will be paid about 22.4bn/- to
move away from mining areas.

"Payment procedures are on the final stages and the
government is supervising the exercise," the DC said in his reportto the Deputy Minister for Minerals, Mr
Stephen Masele a few days ago.

The Deputy Minister was in Tarime last week for official
familiarisation tour into the villages located near the mine which is operated
by ABG, Tanzania's leading gold miner.

Compensation exercise has also been approved by Mara Regional
Commissioner, Mr John Tupa, according to Mr Henjewele.

The Canadian miner has been spending millions of shillings to relocate
hundreds of families paving way for expansion of mining activities.

Meanwhile, the government is due to conduct census to establish the
exact number of villagers near the mine, a move aimed at checking increased
cases of invasions. The exercise is scheduled to be held later this month, the
DC said.

"Some invaders are reportedly coming from the neighbouring countries.
We want to control this problem and we are also removing people out of the
mine, as well as involving communities to take part in beefing up security at
the mine," Mr Henjewele said.